KUALA LUMPUR – The abuse incident involving a Melaka junior coach slapping two of his U-14 players in December is now being used as a case study in Singapore.
Singapore Swimming Association sports consultant Karen Velthuis, who spoke exclusively with The Vibes, has been conducting safeguarding training with the association’s coaches.
She said one of the topics surrounding safeguarding athletes has been the recent player-slapping incident, which was used to prompt discussions at one of their safeguarding training sessions recently.
She explained that the case was used as a reference particularly because it happened so close to Singapore and was timely and relevant.
“This case was a perfect case study to introduce into the training because it was an extreme case, in the sense that most coaches agree that slapping a player is wrong and should not be done.
“Everyone on the course agreed that what happened (in Malaysia) was unexpected,” she said.
Karen, a former Olympic diver for Great Britain, added that the incident was not used in judgement of the coaches or people delivering the sport.
Instead, it was used to generate awareness of the current situation and what can and does happen in the sports fraternity.
“While many people acknowledge abuse happens in sport, they live in the belief that it does not happen in ‘their’ sport or community. It can take some convincing that safeguarding is relevant to everyone and is a necessary step to protect all athletes from harm.
“That kind of denial takes place in many organisations. Ultimately, I think the case highlights to coaches that this type of abuse is happening now and is something they need to be aware about. They have to be vigilant and recognise the signs that lead to this type of behaviour.
“Whether it is happening within the sport itself or outside, if someone is aware of certain signs that can ring alarm bells, then they are in a strong position to step in and help and protect the athlete,” she added.
Here in Malaysia, while many netizens were against slapping the players, many also agreed that the physical action was justified in disciplining them.
The Melaka volleyball team took to social media to defend their coach’s action and said that what he did “may be wrong, but it is to educate us so that we become better players on the court”.
Karen said such a mentality is unacceptable as it normalises the behaviour and gives athletes the impression that it is okay to be treated like that as long as it generates results.
“This basically tells the athlete that results are more important than their well-being.
“What was surprising about this incident was that it wasn’t someone being taken into a locker room and being abused behind closed doors. The physical abuse that happened here was done in full public view.
“And yet, for whatever reason, nobody stopped it or stood up for the athletes at the time. The athletes accepted it, the assistant coach stood by and watched without feeling the need to intervene, and the parents brushed it off.
“That speaks volumes.”
Karen added when a child enters a sports organisation, it is the organisation’s responsibility to protect the child, and that needs to be done by setting clear standards of behaviour through guidelines in place such as codes of conduct or ethics.
“Our primary concern has to be the child. It does not matter whether the parents think it is okay to abuse, hit, smack, or shout at a child. It is the sport organisations that should set the standards when a child participates in a sport.
“This includes taking into account the human rights of the child and providing an environment where the athlete is safe from abuse of any kind.
“As a child, you are vulnerable and need to be protected. Children are not in a position to make those judgements yet or defend themselves.
“We have seen the suffering that this type of abuse can cause to child athletes; we have seen the trauma it causes long after they have given up the sport. There is no argument or medal in the world that makes this ok.
“Hence, it is so important for organisations to create that safety net for them by having policies as well as education and training in place.”
Karen represented Great Britain at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, two world championships, four European championships, and two Commonwealth games.
Speaking from her experience as an international diver, she said that sports should be a positive experience for athletes, with other ways to motivate children to achieve their full potential besides slapping them across the face.
“Sports should provide a safe place where people can enjoy new challenges and feel passionate about delivering their best performance.
“The child should get full satisfaction and enjoyment out of the sport. When they do, they will be driven to achieve great success.
“It is important for those around to be there for them and be their support system. Coaches, parents, and the rest of the support system are there to help their paths and give them confidence to achieve amazing things,” Karen added. – The Vibes, March 7, 2023
